Homelessness
What is it?
The definition of homelessness means not having a home. It includes rough sleeping but can also include those in accommodation which is unsuitable for their needs. You count as homeless if you are:
• Staying with friends or family
• Staying in a hostel, night shelter or B&B
• Squatting (because you have no legal right to stay)
• At risk of violence or abuse in your home
• Living in poor conditions that affect your health
• Living apart from your family because you don’t have a place to live together
Reference: Shelter
What can Alert Training UK do?
• We encourage a good relationship with employers who engage in training programmes delivered by Alert Training UK, therefore concerns can be identified and shared with us
• We have a good relationship with the mentors to our apprentices and encourage them to speak to us regularly and voice their concerns
• We encourage a good relationship with the parents and carers of our apprentices and encourage them to voice any concerns relating to homelessness
• We review our learners’ welfare regularly via telephone reviews and/or learner visits
• We involve other agencies if we have concerns
What should you do?
• I will recognise if I am at risk of becoming homeless and I will speak to someone and ask for help
• I will talk to someone if my housing situation is causing my physical or mental health to deteriorate
• I know that I can report my concerns to the Alert Training UK team
If you are worried or have any concerns, please contact Alert Training UK.
During office hours: 01722332212
Outside of office hours: 07967000048
E-mail: damon.saddler@alerttraining.co.uk
Other useful resources
Refuge
Refuge help women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Refuge operate the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline.
Website: www.refuge.org.uk
Telephone: 08082000247
Runaway Helpline
Runaway Helpline is here if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back. You can also contact us if you are worried that someone else is going to run away or if they are being treated badly or abused.
Website: www.runawayhelpline.org.uk
Telephone: 116000
The Mix
A huge resource for the under 25’s, covering everything from bereavement, exam stress, emotional abuse, mental health to homelessness. A confidential service with a 24-hour helpline.
Website: www.themix.org.uk
Telephone: 08088084994